Maintaining and Developing the Workforce
This section covers the assistance available after people enter work, including transition to work from benefits; and training and progression of existing and new workers.
Support After Starting Work
Aftercare is support for those making the transition to work after being unemployed for some time; and for employers in retaining their services. This is normally part of the package offered to employers from organisations which have helped the individuals return to work. Some other organisations provide specialist advice and assistance in relation to specific issues, for example debt and money problems; mental health; and unspent convictions.
Careers Scotland support for vulnerable young people
Careers Scotland provides ongoing support to vulnerable young people who have had a Key worker or have been involved in a targeted activity such as Activate prior to leaving school. The Key Worker or Activate Adviser remains in contact with the individuals after they have progressed to employment offering support to ensure their sustainability for a period of up to 12 months.
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Continuous learning is key to making informed choices in your personal and working life. The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has developed a comprehensive range of training solutions to help you acquire the most important skills required for success. We recognise that you may have a need for bespoke or customised training. Whatever your need, we will work with you to design and deliver training to achieve your specific objectives. From half day or evening sessions to longer structured programmes, we can provide you with effective solutions.
Contact Roger Horam on 0131 221 2999 or roger.horam@edinburghchamber.co.uk
Support@Work
This project run by Edinburgh TUC offers advice about employment rights and the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act which can be useful to both individuals and employer.
Contact Des Loughney on 0131 556 3006 or info@etuc.org.uk
Sustaining a Healthy Workforce
Assistance to employers and employees is available when injury, sickness or disability have an impact at work or even threaten continued employment. This is within the remit of occupational health schemes where they exist, but there is also help available from a range of help within the health service and from some specialist organisations.
For employers seeking to create a healthier and more motivated workforce, advice is available from Healthy Working Lives.
Healthy Working Lives Free National Adviceline - 0800 019 2211
For confidential advice and information on a wide range of workplace health issues including Health Promotion, Occupational Health and Safety, Employability and Vocational Rehabilitation:
Tel: 0800 019 2211
9am-5pm Mon-Thur
9am-4.30pm Fri
Vocational Rehabilitation Pilot
This is for people who have employment but are in danger of losing that employment due to ill health - people who are at risk of being unable to work due to a new illness or disability (or exacerbation of existing). It gives direct access to a specialist rehabilitation service with the aim of supporting them back into the workplace. For further information contact Gerry McFeely: Gerard.mcfeely@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Support@Work
This project run by Edinburgh TUC offers advice about employment rights and the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act which can be useful to both individuals and employer.
Progression of New and Existing Staff
There is advice and assistance available for employers who wish to enhance the skills of their employees and create opportunities for career progression. In addition, organisations which have helped with the recruitment of individual employees will normally be interested in supporting their continuing progress in work. This may involve them continuing with training programmes which they started before recruitment.
Careers Scotland provides a range of resources which enable individuals to self help in career planning.
Learn Direct and Learndirect Scotland For Business provides small to medium sized enterprises with free training advice and support. You can access the service in a number of ways: face-to-face, online and via a helpline. To make an appointment with your local training partner call the helpline on 08456 000 111 or log on to www.lds4b.com
The Further Education colleges can provide training for individuals or groups, under a variety of funded or commercial arrangements. Their websites can be found on the Key Partners page.
